If you would like help making a safety plan, an advocate at the Family Justice Center can help you.

What is a safety plan?

A safety plan is a personalized plan that a person can use to increase their safety during a dangerous or scary time in their life. Because every person’s situation is different, a safety plan has to be tailored to each person. Make sure to keep your safety plan in a safe place where an abuser won’t find it.

How do I make one?

An advocate is the best person to help you make your safety plan. However, you are the expert in your situation, so you can trust yourself when you’re making decisions about what’s going to keep you safe and what’s going to put you in more danger. Here are some tips you can use to help create your safety plan. Remember to update your plan every time your situation changes.

Some things to consider including in your safety plan?

  • Keep an emergency bag hidden where your abuser can’t find it but where you can easily get to it. Include the following items in the bag:
    • phone charger
    • a change of clothes for you and your children
    • money
    • medicines
    • an extra set of keys
    • important documents (see below)
  • Copies of important documents such as:
    • Birth Certificate
    • Social Security Cards
    • Driver’s License/ID Card
    • Ex parte or Order of Protection
    • Divorce Decree
    • Lease/Rental agreement/Property deed/Mortgage payment book
    • Medical and Vaccination Records
    • Insurance Card
    • School Records
  • Call 911 if you ever feel threatened, nervous or scared.
  • Make up a signal with neighbors that you trust, such as flashing lights on and off, or hanging something from the window.
  • Change your locks and keep doors and windows locked at all times.
  • Create a code word to use with your children.
  • Turn the location feature off on your phone and social media accounts, and teach your children about safe behavior with their phone, their computer, the internet, and social media.
  • Keep a copy of your Order of Protection with you at all times, and give a copy to a trusted friend, neighbor, or family member.
  • Appoint a safe place or person to keep your important documents, including any evidence you have of your abuse.
  • Be sure to discuss safety with your children and make sure they know how to get help if violence occurs.